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Maketu to Taupo (via Rotorua) - Tuesday 29th November 2011
Today we're heading south to Taupo, stopping in Rotorua to check out the geothermal pools and grab a bite to eat. Another early 8am start which was enlightened by a couple of late arrivals to the bus. Ricky (bus driver) and Dan (the bus b****) are not ones for bad time keeping (I don't stand much luck here), therefore if you make the group late you will be punished. So the two late comers where made to perform ten push ups before being allowed on the coach.
Rotorua is a strange place with a lot of weird and wonderful people. I'm putting this down to the sulphur going to their heads. Apparently this is not a place to be walking around on your own at night, so a few snaps on the camera a spot of lunch and then back on the bus.
We also stopped at the Aratiatia Rapids which is effectively a dam controlling the water flow. Twice daily (I think) this dam opens and flood the river bed causing enough pressure to power a hydro station further downstream, which in turn powers up their grid. One thing I have noticed in NZ is that they are up on clean renewable energy and a passionate about their environment - It gets you thinking.
Carrying onto Taupo I had something bothering me and I'd had been deliberating for hours as to if this was a good idea or not. New Zealand is the place for extreme sports and Taupo has this in abundance, with Sky Diving being the main attraction. I had written this off based on the fact that it was far too expensive, but on the other hand I knew that this was just a cop out. Georgie (my bus buddy and now to be travelling companion since there is no one left from the original northern trip - ONLY JOKING Georgie) has been bugging me about this all day. With a little more peer pressure I finally gave in.
So six of us we're collected by the sky diving centre by a huge white limo (which I've always told myself I would never be caught dead in!) and driven to the dive centre. On the way we were asked to fill in a health questionnaire and a next of kin form. This is where the panic started to settle in and the one thing on my mind was should I bother to tell dad that I'm happy for him not to ship me back should the worst happen.
Kitted out and ready to board the light aircraft I was starting to have second thoughts, and all the way up to 15,000 feet this feeling did not subside. Before I knew it I was strapped onto a rather dashing Kiwi, placed on my knees and awaited my fate.
Upon moving towards the side opening of the aircraft there was little time to contemplate what was just about to happen. Within seconds I was hurled out the plain and started the free fall stage of the jump. Fear was quickly replaced with an indescribable feeling of calm and freedom. The air was still and silent with only the voice of my instructor reminding me to look at the camera.
After the free fall there was slight jolt as the parachute opened. Cutting through the clouds we floated towards the ground to a clean landing.
I can't put into words the feeling that followed. It was just an amazing feeling, and the rest of the day I had to keep reminding myself that I'd just jumped 15,000 ft out of a light aircraft.
On the ground I met Jonny and Jen who are from near New Castle, and Amy from Canada (aka AA - American Amy - yes even though she was from Canada). A new group has now been formed and cleverly named 'Team Ream' consisting of Marleen, Jonny, Jenna, Amy and myself.
Hostel - Taupo Urban Retreat (6/10)
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